HATTIESBURG — Mar-Jac Poultry announced the expansion of its Mississippi operations Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new $25 million transload facility in Perry County, marking a significant capital investment in the community.
This new facility will supply grain to Mar-Jac’s Mississippi growers in phase one of the project.
With plans for over 20 new employees in phase one, the new transload facility is expected to generate a multiplying job creation impact in Perry County and an estimated economic impact of over $90 million to the local community.
“This is a very interesting opportunity for Mar-Jac, and it is one of the bigger things we have done in Mississippi,” said Tanveer Papa, chief financial officer at Mar-Jac. “We started this
project about three and a half years ago, and we knew could do wonders for Perry county. It has culminated into this great opportunity today, so we are looking forward to what we can do for this community as well as the communities around us.”
The location in Perry County provides Mar-Jac a strategic transportation advantage with rail access on the property, relieving the high cost of transporting grain to its local growers.
Ultimately, a reduction in the cost of grain could relieve the high cost of the end product to consumers in stores.
“This project is a testament that rural areas with limited resources have unlimited potential when everyone works together and pulls in the same direction,” said Shane Barnett,
Representative, State of Mississippi, House District 86. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has worked alongside the Perry County Board of Supervisors to make
this day possible. From the local and state officials and community leaders to the economic development team at SMDDD as well as the stakeholders, your dedication and vision have made
Perry County the right fit for Mar-Jac’s expansion.”
This highly anticipated gathering, held at the Perry County Board of Supervisors office, marked the beginning of a long-term growth plan for Mar-Jac in Perry County. After the initial transload
facility is completed, Mar-Jac plans to continue its investment in Perry County with the development of a feed mill.
“Our company, at the heart of who we are, takes a lot of pride in our commitment to the local communities where we operate,” said Keith Poss, director of transportation at Mar-Jac
Poultry. “We are genuinely committed to the welfare of our employees, our customers and our community. We are here for a long-term relationship with Perry County and that takes a
beginning to end commitment to make that happen.”
Mar-Jac Poultry is a fully integrated poultry production company headquartered in Gainesville, Ga. The company was established in 1954 and has been supplying high quality poultry products ever since. Poultry products are shipped worldwide with an emphasis on the domestic food service industry.
